Navigating the Chinese Tourist Visa Application: A Personal Experience
It's been buzzing around that getting a Chinese tourist visa is surprisingly straightforward these days. So, I decided to take the plunge and apply myself, and guess what? I got it! While it's true the process is generally basic, my first-time jitters made it a bit of a head-scratcher. Here's a share of my journey to help anyone else keen on applying.
I. The Costs Involved
My application was for a single-entry tourist (L) visa, valid for three months, allowing a 30-day stay. I applied in Ho Chi Minh City, at the 16th floor of the Saigon Trade Center, located at 37 Ton Duc Thang Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1.
The total cost came to approximately 1,900,000 VND. This breaks down into the application fee of 690,000 VND paid upfront and a 45 USD fee collected upon visa collection. Add in a bit for photocopying and bank statements, and that's the ballpark figure.
II. Preparing Your Application
Here's a breakdown of the documents I gathered:
- Passport: It needs to be valid for at least six months. I photocopied the information page (the one with your photo) onto a single A4 sheet, keeping it crisp and unfolded.
- Citizen ID Card (CCCD): A single-sided photocopy on an A4 sheet. Remember to bring the original for verification.
- Photographs: You'll need one photo measuring 4.8 x 3.3 cm, meeting the visa center's specific requirements. Also, have a digital file ready for the online application form.
- Proof of Residence: This is either a CT07 form for permanent residents or a CT08 for temporary residents. A trip to your local Ward Police office can help you get these documents; it's usually quick and free. However, if you're a temporary resident, I highly recommend registering your temporary stay first to obtain the CT08. This streamlines the process, especially when it comes to proving your financial stability later on. The process for temporary residence permits can vary greatly by ward, so be prepared for potential delays. For instance, in my case, it took two months of back-and-forth to get my temporary residence permit – a moment of pure relief! You only need a photocopy of this document, not the original.
- Financial Proof: I heard that in Southern Vietnam, if you have an employment contract, you might not need to prove financial means. Otherwise, a bank balance of at least 50 million VND is generally required. A friend who applied earlier mentioned that a savings account is stronger than a checking account balance, and 100 million VND is better than 50 million VND. When I submitted my application, I had my employment contract, but they still scrutinized my financial documents very closely. Therefore, I believe having this alongside your contract makes your application more robust. This document needs to be submitted as an original.
- Crucial Point: Ensure your CT07/08 form and your proof of residence are from the same administrative area. For example, if your CT07/08 is issued in Ho Chi Minh City, your supporting documents should also reflect an address in HCMC or nearby provinces like Tay Ninh, Long An, or Binh Duong.
- Proof of Employment: This includes a certificate of employment and an approved leave letter. The dates on your leave letter must align perfectly with your planned travel dates. Both documents require an official company stamp and seal, and you'll need to submit the originals.
- Flight Tickets: For a tourist visa, a round-trip flight ticket is mandatory. My friend's one-way ticket application was rejected. Many advise booking flights with a deferred payment option, obtaining the ticket, and then submitting it for the visa application. Confident in the ease of obtaining a Chinese tourist visa, I went ahead and paid for my tickets directly!
- Hotel Bookings: Most booking websites offer free cancellation, so you can secure temporary bookings to include with your application.
- Important Note: When making hotel reservations, ensure all traveling members' full names are accurately entered for verification.
- Itinerary: While it doesn't need to be overly detailed, your itinerary should be logical and consistent with your hotel and flight bookings. You can prepare this in English or Chinese.
- Marriage Certificate: If you are applying as a spouse, bring a photocopy of your marriage certificate and the original for comparison. They might or might not ask for it, but it's wise to have it ready.
- Filling Out the Form: Visit the official Chinese Visa application website and follow the instructions to complete the form. Fill it out entirely in English or Chinese. The form is quite extensive, covering personal information, but it's relatively straightforward. For the signature part, I recommend getting guidance at the visa application center, as signing on behalf of someone else might be permissible.
III. Things to Keep in Mind
- Application Hours: The visa application center operates from 9 AM to 1 PM. However, arriving around 11 AM might mean fewer crowds and shorter waiting times.
- Parking Woes: Parking near the center can be a hassle. Opting for Grab or a similar ride-sharing service is highly recommended.
- USD Currency: Ensure your US dollar bills have serial numbers issued after 2013. They must be crisp, unfolded, free of stains, and pristine.
- Group Applications: If you're traveling in a group, coordinate your applications. You can even combine your documents, allowing stronger applications to support weaker ones, thereby boosting overall credibility.
- Printing and Photocopying: It's best to have all your documents photocopied and printed before you arrive. The printing and photocopying services at the center are quite expensive, with photocopies costing 5,000 VND and printing at 10,000 VND per page.
Securing a Chinese tourist visa isn't a daunting task, but there are instances where applications are rejected. The key is to provide honest information and maintain confidence throughout the process. Wishing you all success in your visa applications!
